Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (L9)

Welcome to the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (L9), located in Richmond, Australia. As an establishment and point of interest, we are dedicated to advancing research and knowledge in environmental science. Our institution is part of a consortium of partners working towards a decarbonized economy, aiming to enhance prosperity and quality of life.

At the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, we focus on a wide range of research areas and initiatives. Our team is actively involved in developing innovative solutions to reduce energy use and increase resource-use efficiency through the use of NVPCC glasshouse films. We are also at the forefront of revolutionizing approaches to management of fire danger and other natural hazards.

Our researchers have achieved significant recognition for their impactful work. Dr. Manuel Esperon-Rodriguez recently won the 2023 Research Impact Competition, showcasing the exceptional contributions made by our team. Additionally, Distinguished Professor Brajesh Singh led a global team advocating for the inclusion of soil microbiomes in the World Health Organization's One Health policy.

We are proud to collaborate with various organizations and industries to bring about practical solutions. For example, our partnership with Hort Innovation has led to a comprehensive assessment of pollination in apple crops in Australia, exploring the vital role played by native and non-native bees. Furthermore, our researchers will deliver smart solutions for monitoring and managing horticultural crops in protected facilities, supporting the agriculture industry.

Our research extends to various aspects of the environment, including the study of koala gut bacteria for enhancing survival rates, understanding the impact of climate change on Australian forests, promoting symbiosis between fungus and tree roots for forestry benefits, and increasing food production by modifying sugar production in crops. We are also leading advancements in indoor cropping technologies to address the challenges faced by the agriculture sector.

The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment is committed to excellence in research and innovation. We have been recognized as one of the top universities in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Our research in ecological applications, soil sciences, ecology, plant biology, and forestry sciences has received a 5-star rating by the Australian Research Council.

Our institute focuses on three main themes: Soil Biology and Genomics, Plants, Animals, and Interactions, and Ecosystem Function and Integration. Through these themes, we explore the influence of environmental changes on soil diversity, the ecology and physiology of plants and animals, and the exchanges of carbon, nutrients, water, and energy.

Join us in our mission to advance environmental science and make a positive impact on the world. Explore our website to learn more about our research, achievements, and ongoing projects.